HomeAnti-RacismIs racism a public health crisis? Black men in KC have the shortest life expectancy

Is racism a public health crisis? Black men in KC have the shortest life expectancy

Is racism a public health crisis? Black men in KC have the shortest life expectancy

on: August 29, 2019

Is racism a public health crisis? Black men in KC have the shortest life expectancy

Is racism a public health crisis? Black men in KC have the shortest life expectancy

A black man living in Kansas City’s urban core can expect his life to end nearly 20 years earlier than a white woman who lives roughly 10 minutes away.

This stark disparity in life expectancy is the impetus for a resolution that would declare racism a public health crisis and address public health disparities resulting from racial inequities. City Councilwoman Melissa Robinson worked with the Kansas City Health Department to craft the measure.

The goal is twofold: Spark a conversation about the impact of racism on public health. And task the city manager with establishing a comprehensive plan to address inequities that leave black men and other people of color vulnerable to early death.